SPBC Brochure May 2015.indd - Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

How should I prepare for a mammogram?
Why should I participate in the SPBC?
Wear comfortable clothing with a top that
can easily be removed. Please do not use
deodorants, antiperspirants, body lotions,
or talcum powders on the day of your
mammogram. Metals in these products can
show up on the X-ray picture.
Screening mammography is important in
the early detection and treatment of breast
cancer. Approximately 75 per cent of breast
cancers diagnosed through the SPBC are early
stage. With regular screening, changes in the
breast can be detected even when they are
too small for you or your doctor to feel or see.
What can I expect during a mammogram
appointment?
A receptionist will register you when you
arrive. You will be given a gown and asked to
remove your clothes from the waist up.
A medical radiation technologist will place
your breasts, one at a time, on a flat plate.
Another plate is then pressed firmly against
your breast to help flatten out the breast
tissue. Firm compression is needed to obtain
high-quality images. Two x-rays of each breast
are taken. You will be asked to wait until your
images are reviewed in case more images are
required.
Tips for a comfortable mammogram
• Book your mammogram within two weeks
after your menstrual period has ended as
your breasts are often less tender at this
time.
• Inform the technologist if you feel pain.
Working together with the technologist
can make the mammogram as comfortable
as possible.
• Breathe deeply and relax your chest
muscles.
Can I chose not to participate in the
program?
Yes. Women can choose not to participate in
the screening program. Please discuss your
options with your doctor before making a
final decision. You can also contact the SPBC if
you have additional questions.
How do I make an appointment?
You do not need a doctor’s referral to make an
appointment for a mammogram.
The SPBC operates two permanent screening
centres in Regina and Saskatoon; satellite
centres in Lloydminster, Moose Jaw, North
Battleford, Prince Albert, Swift Current
and Yorkton; and a mobile bus that travels
throughout rural and northern Saskatchewan.
To make an appointment or for more
information, please call toll-free
1-855-584-8228.
Early detection saves lives.
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
www.saskcancer.ca
May 2015
SCREENING
PROGRAM
FOR BREAST
CANCER
A PROGRAM OF THE SASKATCHEWAN
CANCER AGENCY
Early Detection
is your Best
Defence
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the
breast. The x-ray can find changes in the
breast, even when they are too small for you
or your doctor to feel or see.
Who should have a mammogram?
All women who are 50 years of age and over
should have a mammogram every two years.
Women who have a family history of breast
cancer should have a mammogram every
year.
What is the Screening Program for Breast
Cancer?
The Screening Program for Breast Cancer
(SPBC) is a program of the Saskatchewan
Cancer Agency. The SPBC provides screening
mammograms to Saskatchewan women who
are 50 years of age and older.
The SPBC:
• Encourages women to make an
appointment for a mammogram
• Informs women when they are due for
their next mammogram
• Provides women and their doctor with the
mammogram result
• Facilitates appropriate and timely followup when additional tests or procedures are
required
• Provides a mobile bus that screens women
in rural and northern areas
Who is included in the Screening Program
for Breast Cancer?
The SPBC provides mammograms to
Saskatchewan women who:
• Are 50 years and older
• Do not have any noticeable symptoms
(lumps, bloody nipple discharge or skin
changes)
• Do not have breast implants
• Are not on active follow-up for breast
cancer
• Have been breast cancer free for five years
How is my medical and personal
information going to be protected?
All individuals with access to health
information are bound by The Health
Information Protection Act (HIPA) and have
signed confidentiality agreements. The
Agency and the SPBC also have administrative
procedures and technical and physical
security in place to protect information from
unauthorized use or access.
How do I get the results of the
mammogram?
If you do not need further tests, you and your
doctor will receive the results in the mail from
the SPBC.
If more tests are needed, your doctor or the
SPBC’S client navigator will contact you to
discuss the results and arrange for any followup appointments.